Strategic Direction 3

Grow The Visitor Economy And Our Regional Service Hub

This Direction aligns with Community Aspirations of a Strong and Welcoming Community, Access to Services and Infrastructure, and Thriving Economy.

We attract many visitors for business, access to services, connecting with families, and to enjoy the wonderful tourism attractions and food and wine. We want to build on what is already a solid foundation to benefit both locals and visitors. For locals, we recognise the importance of high standard education and health facilities and access to local shopping and other services. We support local business and industry and plan for and develop policy to support growth and innovation and will continue to progress actions in our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. For visitors, we recognise that things are continually evolving and so must our approach to growing the visitor economy and our place as a regional service and business hub that stretches from inland Western Victoria to the coastline of the Southeast of South Australia. For instance, best use of online platforms and communication tools to share information about the district, provision of long

2023-2028 Priority Actions

vehicle parking, availability of electric vehicle charging facilities, ongoing investment in the Naracoorte Aerodrome and Lucindale Airstrip, hours for access to shops, food outlets, and services are all important considerations. Understanding and responding to the needs of tourists and other visitors will be important for our area, requiring businesses, community groups, and the Council to work together and with regional bodies to ensure new opportunities are captured.

Action Role

1 Develop and implement a plan that identifies current and future needs and the potential for growth as a regional service hub, aligning to Council’s role in Aged Care, Education, Health, Community Wellbeing, and Childcare.

2 As an early and urgent action, investigate potential roles for the Council in relation to economic development (including tourism) and adopt a policy position that clearly articulates the roles the Council will play.

Facilitator; Advocate

Facilitator

3 Undertake a review of the Naracoorte Town Centre Rejuvenation Plan including car and long vehicle parking and improving people-friendly spaces. Facilitator; Asset owner

4 Work with local businesses and relevant stakeholders to develop and implement a Regional Business Hub and Visitor Economy Plan that clearly defines the Council’s roles.

Facilitator

5 Develop and implement a Council Advocacy Framework to ensure a structured approach to advocating for assistance or actions by other levels of government. Advocate

6 Investigate and report on opportunities to be a preferred location for conferences. Asset owner